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Picture of Siren

Background

On September 20, 1994, the Sunoco Refinery in Philadelphia accidentally released 70 tons of catalyst dust coated with heavy hydrocarbons. Although the dust cloud was not toxic, citizens were concerned that no system existed to notify them of the accident or what precautions to take to protect their health in case of a future accident.

After a review by then-Mayor Rendell's special Task Force on Emergency Response, a consent decree signed by Sunoco, the City of Philadelphia, and CLRTC allocated funds for the establishment of a siren system that will notify residents when an emergency exists in their area. The sirens were purchased with funds from the fine that Sunoco paid as part of the 1997 consent decree.

Where are the sirens?

Ten sirens will be installed in neighborhoods around the Sunoco refinery:
  • Pepper Middle School - 82nd and Lyons
  • Eastwick Library - Island Ave and Lindbergh Blvd
  • Finnegan's Playground - 69th and Guyer
  • Connell Park - 64th and Elmwood
  • Bartram's Village - 54th and Lindbergh Blvd
  • Recreation Center - 48th and Woodland
  • Fire House - 32nd and Grays Ferry
  • JFK Annex - 25th and Morris
  • Passyunk Library - 20th and Shunk
  • FDR Park - 21st and Pattison

What should you do if you hear a siren?

SHELTER-IN-PLACE--If you hear a siren, assume that a real emergency exists to keep you and your family safe.
  1. Go inside immediately. Do not attempt to pick your children up from school. All schools have been trained and will take care of your child.
  2. Close all doors and windows.
  3. Turn off ventilation systems including air conditioning, heating, or fireplace flues.
  4. Go to the room with the fewest doors and windows and seal the room. Use duct tape and plastic sheeting or damp towels to seal off window and door cracks.
  5. Stay in that room and listen to KWY Radio 1060AM for further instructions. Stay off the phones so that lines needed by emergency personel are clear. Do not leave room until given an "all clear" message by authorities.

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Community Labor Refinery Tracking Committee
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